A proper head-to-head in South Africa — compare price, performance,
fuel economy or electric range, safety and the details that shape long-term ownership.
BAIC B40 Plus vs Rolls-Royce Phantom: the short answer
Phantom has a modest catalogue-index lead, while B40 Plus remains close.
Five key differences
Exact selected derivatives
Swipe sideways to compare every column
Specification
B40 Plus
Phantom
Maximum Power
B40 Plus165 kW @ 5500 rpm
Phantom420 kW @ 5000 rpm
Maximum Torque
B40 Plus380 Nm @ 1750-4500 rpm
Phantom900 Nm @ 1700 rpm
Engine Size
B40 Plus1998 cc
Phantom6749 cc
Combined Fuel Economy
B40 Plus9.0 km/l
Phantom6.29 km/l
Ground Clearance
B40 Plus210 mm
Phantom136 mm
Strongest published figure in that row; no road-test winner is implied.
Independent editorial assessment
Hagalu editorial ratings
When a variant is selected, its rating out of five applies only to that exact derivative; a model-range review is not inherited. Editorial ratings are separate from the Specification Evidence Index out of 100 and are not customer ratings.
BAIC B40 Plus
Honor Edition
Hagalu editorial rating
4.0/5★★★★★★★★★★
Desk research · Exact variant
Hagalu Editorial Team ·
Editorial assessment, not a customer rating. Not road-tested for this review.
Not yet rated means a complete review is not published; it does not mean the vehicle scored zero. Read the rating methodology.
What Each Car Gets Right (and Wrong)
B40 Plus
Strengths
Better fuel efficiency
Weak Spots
Less powerful engine setup
Fewer listed safety features
Best suited to:Published Efficiency
Specification evidence leader
Phantom
Strengths
More powerful engine output
Stronger listed safety equipment
Weak Spots
Lower fuel efficiency
Best suited to:Published Performance
Which One's Right for You?
B40 Plus
Buyers prioritising the lower published fuel or energy use
Phantom
Buyers prioritising the stronger published powertrain figures
Buyers prioritising the more complete listed safety equipment
Full Specs, Side by Side
Open a category, then swipe sideways to compare every column
Spec
B40 Plus
Phantom
Model Introduced Year
2021
2018
Generation
Current B40 Plus Honor Edition within the locally served first B40 Plus generation, using body-on-frame construction and an electronic part-time 4WD system.
Eighth-generation Phantom in standard-wheelbase Series II form
Facelift History
The B40 Plus launched in South Africa in October 2021. The current Honor Edition debuted locally in May 2025, adding electric seat adjustment and a sunroof to the City Hunter-based specification; BAIC now presents it as the sole current B40 Plus derivative.
The eighth-generation Phantom was presented globally in 2017, introduced in South Africa in 2018 and received its light-touch Series II evolution in 2022
Facelift Launched Since
2025
2022
Facelift Version Ending
Current
Current
Body Style
Five-door body-on-frame off-road SUV
Four-door luxury saloon
Model Year
2021
2026
Production Status
active
active
Segment
Off-road SUV
Full-size super-luxury saloon
Vehicle Type
SUV
Internal-combustion passenger car
Spec
B40 Plus
Phantom
Length
4630 mm
5762 mm
Width
1925 mm
2018 mm
Height
1871 mm
1646 mm
Wheelbase
2745 mm
3552 mm
Ground Clearance (Default)
210 mm
136 mm
Ground Clearance (With Full Seating Load)
190 mm
136 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity
75 l
90 l
Boot/Cargo Space
532 l
530 l
Kerb Weight
2110 kg
2560 kg
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
2535 kg
3235 kg
Payload Capacity
425 kg
675 kg
Towing Capacity
1500 kg
0 kg
Seating Capacity
5 seats
5 seats
Number of Rows
2 rows
2 rows
Doors
5 doors
4 doors
Minimum Turning Radius
Not Officially Disclosed
6.55 m
Front Headroom
1010 mm
1046 mm
Rear Headroom
1000 mm
978 mm
Front Legroom
1045 mm
1041 mm
Rear Legroom
900 mm
1105 mm
Spec
B40 Plus
Phantom
Engine
2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine
6.75-litre twin-turbocharged V12 petrol
Engine Code
Not Officially Disclosed
N74B68A
Fuel Type
Petrol
Petrol
Hybrid System
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Engine Displacement
1998 cc
6749 cc
Cylinders
4
12
Cylinder Layout
Inline
V
Valves
Not Officially Disclosed
48
Valves per Cylinder
Not Officially Disclosed
4
Aspiration
Turbocharged
Twin Turbocharged
Fuel System
Not Officially Disclosed
Direct Injection
Compression Ratio
Not Officially Disclosed
10.0:1
Bore
Not Officially Disclosed
89 mm
Stroke
Not Officially Disclosed
90.4 mm
Maximum Power
165 kW @ 5500 rpm
420 kW @ 5000 rpm
Maximum Torque
380 Nm @ 1750-4500 rpm
900 Nm @ 1700 rpm
Combined Power
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Combined Torque
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Motor Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Number of Motors
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Motor Location
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Drive Type
4WD
RWD
Transmission
8-Speed Automatic
8-Speed Automatic
Top Speed
180 km/h
250 km/h
0-100 km/h
9.9 sec
5.3 sec
Quarter Mile
17.2 sec
Not Officially Disclosed
Drive Modes
Comfort, Eco, Sport, Snow
Low
Launch Control
No
Not Officially Disclosed
Rev Limiter
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Power-to-Weight Ratio
78.2 kW/tonne
164.1 kW/tonne
Torque-to-Weight Ratio
180.1 Nm/tonne
351.6 Nm/tonne
Battery Capacity
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Usable Battery Capacity
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Battery Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Battery Voltage
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Electric Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
AC Charging Power
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
DC Charging Power
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
AC Charging Time
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
DC Charging Time
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Regenerative Braking
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Spec
B40 Plus
Phantom
Gearbox
8AT
8-speed ZF automatic
Drivetrain Layout
4WD
Front-engine, rear-wheel drive with all-wheel steering
LSD Available
No
-
Transfer Case
Electronic 4WD transfer case
Not Applicable
Differential Lock
Rear electronic differential lock; Front optional electronic differential lock
No lockable differential
Paddle Shifters
Not Officially Disclosed
No
Final Drive Ratio
Not Officially Disclosed
2.81:1
Number of Gears
8
8
Transmission Type
8-speed automatic
8-speed ZF automatic
Clutch Type
Not Officially Disclosed
Torque converter
Gear Shift Indicator
Not Officially Disclosed
-
Gear Shift Type
Not Officially Disclosed
Satellite Aided automatic gear selection
Drivetrain
Electronic time-sharing 4WD
Rear-wheel drive
4WD Engagement
Electronic time-sharing 4WD
Not Applicable
4WD Hi Range
Standard
Not Applicable
4WD Lo Range
Yes
Not Applicable
4WD Selector
Electronic 4WD transfer case
Not Applicable
Automatic Shift Paddles
Not Officially Disclosed
No
Front Differential Lock
Optional electronic differential lock
Not Applicable
Gearbox Type
Automatic
8-speed ZF automatic
Low Range Ratio
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Applicable
Low Range
Yes
Not Applicable
Axle Layout
Front and rear drive
Rear-wheel-drive power delivery with active rear-axle steering
Rear Differential Lock
Electronic differential lock
No lockable differential
Transmission Speeds
8
8
Spec
B40 Plus
Phantom
Claimed Mileage
9.0 km/l
6.29 km/l
City Mileage
7.6 km/l
5.10 km/l
Highway Mileage
10.6 km/l
8.08 km/l
Fuel Tank Capacity
75 l
90 l
Emission Standard
Euro IV
Euro 6e (B6e)
AdBlue Tank Capacity
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Applicable
Auto Start Stop
Not Officially Disclosed
Automatic start/stop: No
Real-world Mileage
9.0 km/l
6.29 km/l
Charging Port Type
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Applicable
Charging Type
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Applicable
Fuel Tank Litres
75
90
Combined Driving Range
Not Officially Disclosed
566-581 km (calculated from 90 L and 15.5-15.9 l/100 km WLTP)
Electric Consumption
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Applicable
Range Real World Highway
Not Officially Disclosed
-
Range Real World Mixed
Not Officially Disclosed
608 km
Spec
B40 Plus
Phantom
Airbags
2
8
ABS
Standard
Four-channel Anti-lock Braking System
Electronic Stability Control
Standard
Dynamic Stability Control
Traction Control
Standard
Dynamic Traction Control
Hill Descent Control
Standard
No
Hill Start Assist
Standard
Hill Start Assist
Child Safety Lock
Standard
Rear child-safety locks
ISOFIX Mounts
Standard
ISOFIX child-seat mounts
Brake Assist
Standard
Dynamic Brake Control
Tyre Pressure Monitor
Standard
Low tyre-pressure warning
Engine Immobiliser
Standard
Engine immobiliser
Alarm System
Standard
-
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
Standard
Front driver and passenger seatbelt warning sensors
Front Parking Sensors
Standard
Park Distance Control, front and rear
AEB
Not Officially Disclosed
Collision Warning with Brake Function; pedestrian/bike warning with brake function
BA
Standard
Dynamic Brake Control
Brake Override System
Standard
-
Curtain Airbags
Not Officially Disclosed
Front Head Protection System
Driver Airbag
Standard
Driver airbag
EBD
Standard
Electronic Brakeforce Distribution
Engine Immobiliser
Standard
Engine immobiliser
Hill Hold
Standard
Hill Start Assist
Passenger Airbag
Standard
Front-passenger airbag
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Not Officially Disclosed
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Standard
Front and rear three-point pretensioning seatbelts; front force limiters
Seatbelt Reminder
Standard
Front driver and passenger seatbelt warning sensors
Side Airbags
Not Officially Disclosed
Front side-impact airbags
Stability Control
Standard
Dynamic Stability Control
TCS
Standard
Dynamic Traction Control
Knee Airbag
Not Officially Disclosed
Active front knee protection
ABS EBD
Standard
Four-channel Anti-lock Braking System
Spec
B40 Plus
Phantom
Cruise Control
Standard
Dynamic Cruise Control; Active Cruise Control fitted to the referenced current vehicle
Adaptive Cruise Control
Not Officially Disclosed
Active Cruise Control
Lane Keep Assist
Not Officially Disclosed
Lane Departure Warning with Active Return
Lane Departure Warning
Not Officially Disclosed
Lane Departure Warning with Active Return
Blind Spot Monitoring
Not Officially Disclosed
Lane Change Warning with Blind Spot Detection
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Not Officially Disclosed
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Parking Sensors
Standard
Park Distance Control, front and rear
Rear View Camera
Yes
Rear View Camera
360 Degree Camera
Not Officially Disclosed
Surround View Camera with 3D view
Autonomous Emergency Braking
Not Officially Disclosed
Collision Warning with Brake Function; pedestrian/bike warning with brake function
Driver Fatigue Alert
Not Officially Disclosed
Alertness Assistant
Traffic Sign Recognition
Not Officially Disclosed
Speed Limit Information
Auto Highbeam
Not Officially Disclosed
High-Beam Assistance
Auto Wipers
Not Officially Disclosed
Rain-sensing variable-speed windshield wipers
Rear Parking Sensors
Standard
Park Distance Control, front and rear
Reverse Camera
Yes
Rear View Camera
Adaptive Cruise Control
Not Officially Disclosed
Active Cruise Control
Park Assist
Not Officially Disclosed
Park Assist and Reversing Assistant
Around View Monitor
Not Officially Disclosed
Surround View Camera with 3D view
Blind Spot Warning
Not Officially Disclosed
Lane Change Warning with Blind Spot Detection
Forward Collision Warning
Not Officially Disclosed
Collision Warning with Brake Function
Spec
B40 Plus
Phantom
Seat Material
Leather
A-grade leather hides with Bespoke alternatives
Heated Seats
No
Front and rear
Ventilated Seats
Not Officially Disclosed
Front ventilated seats fitted to the referenced exact 2026 vehicle
Ambient Lighting
Monochrome
Yes
Steering Wheel Material
Leather
Heated full-leather multifunction steering wheel
60 40 Split Seat
Standard
No
Driver Seat Adjustment
6-way electric
Heated, electronically adjustable front seat with memory
Passenger Seat Adjustment
6-way electric
Heated, electronically adjustable front seat with memory
Seat Trim
Leather
Leather seat trim fitted to the referenced exact 2026 vehicle; Bespoke alternatives available
Spec
B40 Plus
Phantom
Climate Control
Dual-zone automatic
Automatic four-zone climate control
Power Windows
Standard
Front and rear power windows with one-touch up/down
Keyless Entry
Standard
Comfort Access keyless entry
Push Button Start
Standard
Push Button Start
Wireless Charging
Not Officially Disclosed
Wireless smartphone charging
Sunroof
Standard
No
Electric Tailgate
Not Officially Disclosed
Power open/close luggage compartment
Rain Sensing Wipers
Standard
Rain-sensing variable-speed windshield wipers
Boot Space Seats Folded
965 l
-
AC Type
Dual-zone automatic
Automatic four-zone climate control
Fuel Consumption Combined
11.1 L/100 km
-
Spec
B40 Plus
Phantom
Infotainment System
10.25-inch central infotainment system
SPIRIT infotainment operated by touch, controller and voice commands
Apple CarPlay
Not Officially Disclosed
Apple CarPlay compatibility
Android Auto
Not Officially Disclosed
Android Auto compatibility
Bluetooth Connectivity
Standard
Bluetooth wireless technology
Number of Speakers
6
16
Digital Instrument Cluster
12.3-inch LCD instrument cluster
12.3-inch colour TFT display with LED backlighting
USB Ports
Not Officially Disclosed
USB Type-C ports
Infotainment Screen
10.25-inch central touchscreen
10.25-inch Central Information Display with touchscreen, concealed behind retractable veneer when not in use
Touchscreen
10.25-inch central touchscreen
10.25-inch Central Information Display with touchscreen, concealed behind retractable veneer when not in use
255/50 R21 109H M+S all-round; 255/45 R22 107Y front and 285/40 R22 110Y rear; 255/50 R21 109Y front and 285/45 R21 113Y rear
Front Brake Type
Ventilated disc
Power-assisted ventilated disc brakes
Rear Brake Type
Disc
Power-assisted ventilated disc brakes
Spare Wheel Type
Full-size spare
No spare wheel
Wheel Rim Size
17-inch
21- and 22-inch approved fitments
Tyre Type
All-Terrain
-
Auto Brake Hold
Yes
-
Handbrake Type
Electric parking brake
Electromechanical parking brake acting on rear discs
Towing Unbraked Kg
750 kg
-
Wheel Material
Lightweight dual-tone alloy
-
Spec
B40 Plus
Phantom
Front Suspension
Double wishbone independent front suspension
Double-wishbone front axle with self-levelling air suspension
Rear Suspension
Five-link non-independent rear suspension
Five-link rear axle with self-levelling air suspension
Chassis Type
Body-on-frame
-
Spec
B40 Plus
Phantom
Service Interval
15000 km
-
Service Plan Duration
4 years / 60000 km
4 years / unlimited km
Service Plan Distance
4 years / 60000 km
4 years / unlimited km
Service Plan
4 years / 60000 km
4 years / unlimited km
Spec
B40 Plus
Phantom
Warranty Years
5 years / 120000 km
4 years; regional conditions apply
Warranty Kilometers
5 years / 120000 km
4 years; regional conditions apply
Warranty
5 years / 120000 km
4 years; regional conditions apply
Spec
B40 Plus
Phantom
CO2 Emissions
Not Officially Disclosed
361 g/km
Fuel Octane Requirement
92 RON or higher petrol
95 RON; minimum 91 RON
Spec
B40 Plus
Phantom
Ownership Role
Private buyer ownership with BAIC South Africa warranty and service support
Flagship saloon balancing owner driving with formal rear-passenger use
Price Zar
699500 ZAR
-
Pricing Role
Current ex-showroom price
Price on application
Starting Price
699500
-
Starting Price Zar
699500
-
In depth: how these cars differ
This B40 Plus and Phantom comparison uses the exact derivatives selected above for South Africa. The catalogue index covers performance, efficiency, safety equipment, practicality and ownership cover only where comparable source-backed fields are present.
Performance index: B40 Plus 71 vs Phantom 96.
Efficiency index: B40 Plus 41 vs Phantom 29.
Safety-equipment index: B40 Plus 57 vs Phantom 95.
Practicality index: B40 Plus 67 vs Phantom 67.
Ownership-cover index: B40 Plus 62 vs Phantom not separately scored.
These figures are Hagalu catalogue-comparison indicators, not customer ratings, crash-test scores, resale guarantees or a substitute for a road test. Each page shows its weighted source coverage beside the result.
Model imagery
B40 Plus and Phantom image comparison
Open an image for its full canonical file or visit the model page for the complete vehicle record.
A transparent comparison of published catalogue fields. This is not a road-test score, owner rating or editorial review rating, and it appears only when every vehicle clears the same comparable-data threshold.
Evidence / 100
Evidence-index readout
Phantom leads by 14 points
Phantom has a modest catalogue-index lead, while B40 Plus remains close.
Moderate difference in the source-backed catalogue index.
Why this scoreView full breakdown
Evidence-index leader
Phantom
Performance
96/100
Efficiency
29/100
Safety
95/100
Practicality
67/100
B40 Plus
Performance
71/100
Efficiency
41/100
Safety
57/100
Practicality
67/100
Ownership
62/100
What the evidence means
Evidence indexRolls-Royce Phantom
leads the specification evidence index with 75 pts
vs 61 pts for B40 Plus
In Hagalu's specification evidence index, Phantom leads. However, B40 Plus may suit buyers prioritising different confirmed fields. Ultimately, the right choice depends on your driving priorities in South Africa.
Related comparisons
Continue with closely related South Africa models and comparable body styles.
There is no universal winner. Use the comparison table to match the models and available derivatives in South Africa on price, safety equipment, space, powertrain and ownership cover. The category indicators summarise published catalogue data; they are not a road test or customer rating.
Compare the published consumption or mileage rows for the exact derivatives using the same unit and test basis. A catalogue figure is useful for like-for-like comparison, but traffic, speed, load, weather and driving style can change actual fuel use.
Compare only equipment explicitly listed for each derivative, including airbags, stability control and driver-assistance systems. Confirm the exact trim with the manufacturer, and treat any independent crash-test result separately because equipment and ratings can differ by market.
A reliable five-year total cannot be calculated from catalogue data alone. Add the exact purchase and finance cost, fuel or electricity, insurance quotes, scheduled servicing, tyres and expected resale value. Check whether the selected derivative includes a service or maintenance plan.
Use the seating, boot or load-space, ISOFIX and safety rows as a first check. Then test the exact cars with your child seats, passengers and typical luggage, because published dimensions do not show every access or comfort difference.
Compare the published power, torque and 0–100 km/h rows when they are available for both exact derivatives. Vehicle weight, gearing and power delivery also matter, so catalogue outputs alone do not establish real-world overtaking or response.
Compare
Request dealer offers
Let's discuss your next car
Share your interest so Hagalu can follow up about quotations and available discounts. The dealer confirms stock, price and terms.
✓
We've Got Your Details!
Your enquiry has reached Hagalu for follow-up. Any dealer offer will be confirmed separately by the seller.
